Roland-Garros 2025: Richard Gasquet Bows Out of Tennis to a Standing Ovation After Final Match Against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner

The curtain has fallen on one of French tennis’s most iconic careers. At 38, Richard Gasquet played the final match of his professional life on Thursday, May 29, in the second round of Roland-Garros, on a packed Court Philippe-Chatrier. Facing world number one Jannik Sinner, the man from Béziers fell in straight sets (6-3, 6-0, 6-4) in 1 hour and 57 minutes, in a match that was more poignant than it was competitive.

The difference in level was clear, but it did nothing to diminish the heartfelt tribute paid to him by the Paris crowd. On the clay that shaped his story, “Richie” ended his journey after 1,018 career matches, 23 years on tour, and 22 Roland-Garros appearances. He becomes the third of France’s “New Musketeers” to retire, following Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon.

A Farewell Worthy of His Legacy

“I thought about this day so many times—I hoped it would never come,” Gasquet admitted, voice quivering, during a moving post-match ceremony. The farewell began with kind words from his opponent Jannik Sinner, followed by speeches from French Tennis Federation President Gilles Moretton and tournament director Amélie Mauresmo. Video tributes from Novak Djokovic, Tsonga, Simon, and Gaël Monfils added to the emotion. Surrounding him, his loved ones wore white T-shirts reading “Merci Richie,” as the entire stadium rose to its feet in appreciation.

Born in Sérignan and thrust into the spotlight early—he debuted on tour at just 15—Gasquet’s career is a story of longevity and grace. He spent 19 consecutive seasons inside the ATP Top 100, reached three Grand Slam semifinals (Wimbledon 2007 and 2015, US Open 2013), won the Davis Cup in 2017, earned 16 ATP titles, and took home an Olympic bronze medal in doubles (London 2012). All while wielding one of the most elegant one-handed backhands the sport has ever seen.

Sinner Wins, but Gasquet Owns the Moment

While the match itself offered little suspense, the atmosphere was electric. A few flashes of brilliance—like a pair of trademark down-the-line backhands early on—were not enough to unsettle Sinner, who calmly controlled the game. After sealing victory, the Italian paid tribute at the net and then on the microphone: “Thank you to the crowd for being so fair. I know who I was playing today. Congratulations on your amazing career, and to your team and family. You played in an incredible era—I wish you the best for what’s next.”

Gasquet, who will celebrate his 39th birthday in June, responded with heartfelt words: “I’ll carry lifelong memories thanks to this crowd. You’ve given me extraordinary emotions. This is not goodbye but see you later—I’ll be back in the stands. My passion for tennis will never leave me. Thank you for welcoming me since I was five or six years old. Long live tennis, long live France. See you soon.”